CHAPTER 36

Embry POV:

I was on my way to Sam's to help put on the second coat of paint in the baby's room. I told him I'd be over after school. I called Jake to tell him Sam needed my help, and he was cool with that. Sam and I hadn't talked since that day we met our dad and I was kind of worried about him. I had decided to give him some space to deal with it.

Dad was still out of touch. It had been two days already, and Mom was going nuts. I hoped he came back soon so I wouldn't have to put up with her crankiness anymore!

I pulled up to Sam's and parked the truck. I jumped out and went up the porch steps to go inside. Emily was just coming out. "Oh! Hey, Embry. You here to help paint?"

"Yea. Where you going?"

"My mom's sick, so I'm going over to take some soup to her. I'll be back later," she explained as she held a soup pot in her hands.

"OK. Here I'll help you ." I walked with her to the car and opened the door for her. She set the pot on the floor and said, "Thanks."

"Yep. No problem. See ya, sis!" I said as I made my way back to the house.

"Bye, little brother!" she called back. I smiled. I liked having a sister. I made my way down the hall to the baby's room.

"Hey, bro, what's up?" I said to Sam.

"Not much. Ready to get to work?" I nodded and walked in and picked up a roller. Sam had already started and had one wall just about finished. I poured some paint into a tray and took it over to the opposite wall. I put the roller in the paint and put it to the wall. We worked for a little while then he asked me, "So, you doing OK?"

I looked at him. "Me? Yea, I'm good. How bout you?" I rolled some more paint onto the wall.

He looked over at me and said, "I'm trying, bro. I'm really trying to work through all of this. I think I'm ready to see him again."

"He's, um, out of touch right now. The fever set in the day after we talked. He told Mom he would call when he was back. I'll make sure I get his phone number for you. You should have it."

He nodded. "I have his number. Your mom called and gave it to Emily later that night. It's freaky, huh? Him 'being out of touch?' "

I smiled as I rolled paint. "I asked my mom the other night if it bothered her to think about him as a . . . whatever he is. She said she didn't want to think about it. That's what led me to showing her what I looked like as a wolf."

"Oh, I wondered why you did that. Yea, I don't think I want to think about it either. Although I find myself being somewhat curious."

"Me, too! I wondered if he looks like us, you know like a wolf, or is he more like a wolf-man creature? I don't' know. I don't like what he does, but I would like to see him."

Sam looked at me and said, "Yea, me, too." He put his roller down. "I want to ask you something, but I don't want to make you mad or anything."

I turned to him and said, "You can ask me anything, Sam. You should know that by now."

He nodded. "It's about your mom." I stopped rolling and said, "What about her?"

"Well, I noticed when Dad was telling his story the other day, he left out the part about your mom. I'm sure he did that because he didn't want to upset me any more than I already was. "

I put the roller in the paint tray and grabbed a rag to wipe my hands. "That's what he told me, yea."

"I remember when she had her talk with you, and you phased and I saw some of what she told you. I know they met when he left here, and that they spent a few days together. She lived at the Makah Reservation, didn't she?" I nodded. "So, he was with her right before he went north?"

"Yea. He told me that on the third day they were together, he felt the fever coming on and he knew he had to get out and fast. He took her back and went straight to find this guy that his Grandpa wanted him to see then he left that day for the rez up north."

Sam put his head down for a moment to process things. The he looked at me and said, quietly, "He imprinted on her, didn't he?"

Wow. I should have figured he was smart enough to guess. "Yes."

He turned to look out the window. "I thought so. I could tell just by looking at them. That imprint is still there." He turned back to me. "That must have been hell for him. To walk away from her. . . and to stay away for 18 years. I tried that once. When it first happened to me." I looked at him in surprise. "Yea, I did. I know it's hard for you to think about, but I really loved Leah. I hated what was happening to her. It was bad enough that I turned into a wolf and I couldn't tell her, but then I imprint on her cousin and I can't tell her the truth! When the elders explained to me what happened, I told myself I wasn't going to give into this imprint shit. I had to give up a normal life to be a wolf, now I have to give up my girl? No way. I walked away from Emily and stayed with Leah. I wanted more than ever to make it work with her. Everything was perfect with us before this happened. I just wanted my old life back, you know? I stayed away from Emily for a week. I can't tell you the physical pain that you go through, man. I would spend time with Leah, but think about Emily. I would go to bed at night and dream about Emily. My body ached for Emily." He turned back to the window. "I would hold Leah and kiss Leah, and the whole time all I could see was Emily. I fucking hated it!" He looked at me. "I fought it as hard as I could, but I finally gave in and told Leah I couldn't do it. I couldn't be with her." He closed his eyes as he remembered. "God, the look on her face. I will never forget it." He opened his eyes. "All those months of seeing her in such pain and knowing I caused it, but I couldn't do a damn thing about it."

I put my head down and tried to listen without being jealous. It was fucking hard! My hands were clenched into fists and my body was completely tensed.

"Look, Embry, I know that was hard for you to hear, but I told you that to make a point, not to hurt you." I looked over at him and he went on, "Imprinting is . . . well, it is what it is. It's strong and it's binding and it cannot be denied. I really love Emily with everything I have, you know? I can't imagine being without her. I am extremely happy with her and with our life together. And here's the point: I know my dad loved my mom, but not like he loves your mom. It can't be denied, even after being apart for 18 years. I can't be pissed about that, dude. I totally get it."

I had my head down trying to get over being so jealous. I looked up at him. "I wanted to tell you about them. I should have figured you would see it," I told him. "So, you don't hate my mom?"

He smiled at me. "No, I don't hate her. She'll probably be my step-mom someday!"

I smiled. "I'm really glad you understand, about my mom. I know you were close to your mom like I am with mine. I don't know if I could be so forgiving."

He gave me a big smile and said, "I have to be, bro. I am moving on! I am focused on the future now. I have to get this room ready for my own little baby. Can you believe that? I'm going to be a dad. That's just fucking crazy!"

I laughed. "Yea, and I can't wait to hear your baby's first words. It will probably look at you and say, 'I fucking love you, Daddy!' " I said in a high baby voice.

He laughed hard at that and picked up the roll of blue tape and threw it at me. I ducked and kept laughing. It felt really good to make Sam laugh.

Leah POV:

I didn't see much of Embry for the next few days. He was helping Sam paint the baby's room, and Jake just got three vehicles in, and of course, they all wanted their cars fixed right now! I went by the garage and saw him, and he was working really hard trying to finish an engine rebuild for this Jeep. I guess someone was in a real hurry for it or something. He did come over for a bit last night for some help with his trig. I really missed seeing him every day.

His dad still hadn't called. Angie was getting kind of worried about him. He did say that he didn't know how long it would last. It had been almost 5 days now. I figured he would call over the weekend.

It was Friday, and Seth was all excited about taking Ashley to the dance tonight. Mom had the night off, so I told Seth I would drive him to the dance. He came home after school all in a panic about what to wear. He must have called Embry at least 10 times! I told him he was working and he would call him back. He knew it was THE big night. He ran upstairs to go through his clothes – again! Mom came down the stairs as he was running up them.

"What's with him?" she asked me.

I told her he was all worried about what to wear to this dance. She laughed and asked, "My son? Worried about clothes? " I nodded and joined in her laughter.

"Oh, Leah," Mom said. "I'm walking over to Billy's to cook dinner for him and Charlie tonight."

"I can take you over, Mom," I told her.

"No, that's fine. I need the exercise. Charlie can drop me off later. Just take care of your brother! He's a wreck!" I laughed and promised her I would. "See you later!" she called as she walked out the door.

I went into the kitchen to get a drink when Embry came in the back door. "Hey, baby," he said with a smile. I flew into his arms and he held me close. "I missed you," I said into his chest. Then I pulled back a little and held my face up so he could kiss me. We were doing just that when Seth came into the kitchen.

"It's about time! I've called you at least 10 times!" he yelled at Embry. He laughed and let me go and said, "Chill out, bro! What is your deal?"

"I don't know what to wear and I want to gel my hair, but I don't want to look gay! I need help here! I'm freaking out!" Embry looked at me and we both laughed. He walked over to Seth and made him sit down in a chair.

"Sit down and take a breath, dude. Look, we will help you, OK? But you have got to get a grip. Leah? Get him something to drink."

I pulled a pop out of the fridge, and handed it to Seth. Then I handed one to Embry. He sat down next to Seth and opened it and took a drink. Seth did the same. "OK. Better?" Seth nodded. "Alright. Once you calm down, we will go upstairs and look at your clothes. But, dude, come on. You're a guy. You're not the one that is supposed to stress over clothes, OK? You wear something that is clean and comfortable. You can't be cool if you're not comfortable. And Leah can help with your hair. Yea?" He looked at me and I nodded and said, "Sure."

"OK. I'm sorry. God, I don't know why I'm acting like this! She's just a girl," Seth said.

Embry smiled and patted him on the shoulder and said, "Now, you got it, dude. Come on, let's go upstairs and fix your clothes problem." They stood up and I said, "Call me when you want help with your hair." He nodded and they left the kitchen.

We finally got Seth all ready to go. He was wearing a pair of faded black jeans, and white t-shirt with some sort of black design on it tucked in just in the front with a belt. Not bad. And were those Embry's new Pumas? I smiled. When I went to help him with his hair, I noticed that he was wearing it a little longer, and brushing his bangs over to the side like Embry's. That's so cute! I put a little gel in it and pulled it out a little. He looked pretty hot, even if he was my brother! I noticed he was wearing the chain that my dad had given him on his last birthday. It had a small metal disc hanging on it that was engraved with a wolf. It meant a lot to him, but he only wore it on special occasions. I wondered if this Ashley had any idea how much trouble Seth was going to for her. I think I even smelled some cologne! I hoped she deserved it.

"Well, bro, I think you're ready. Remember to be cool, but not too much that you come off acting like a jerk. Make sure you compliment her first thing. She'll be nervous about how she looks so you want to make her feel good right away." Seth nodded. He looked at Embry like he was some kind of dating god, or something!

I laughed and said, "Aren't you writing this down?" Seth turned and gave me a look. "I'm just kidding! Come on, we're supposed to pick her up in 10 minutes! You don't want to be late."

Embry, Seth and I walked to the car. Seth got into the back seat and Embry crawled in the front seat with me. I drove to Ashley's house and stopped in front. Embry turned around and said, "OK, Seth. Go knock on the door, and make sure you tell her how pretty she looks. Go get her!" Seth smiled and climbed out of the car.

I looked over at Embry and said, "I think you're more nervous than he is! Look at you."

He smiled and pretended to fake cry. "They grow up so fast!" I laughed and smacked him. We watched as Seth knocked on the door and Ashley opened it. She was wearing a cute little plaid skirt with a t-shirt and a vest. And really cute flats. "Awww, look how cute she is," I said.

"Oh Leah, please don't do that around Seth. He's being cool, see?" I had the window down and we were trying hard to listen.

Seth said, "Hey Ashley. You look really pretty tonight. I like your hair like that." She gave him a radiant smile and said, "Thanks. You look really nice, too." She closed the door behind her and they walked toward the car. Seth opened the car door for her and she got in, then he walked around to get into the car on the other side.

"Um, Ashley, this is my sister, Leah, and her boyfriend, Embry," he said. We were turned in our seats so we could see them.

"Hi, Ashley. It's very nice to meet you," I said.

Embry, living up to his image, said, "Hey Ashley," in his coolest tone. I looked at him and just shook my head and smiled.

Ashley smiled and said, "Hi. It's really nice for you to give us a ride."

"Oh, no problem," I said as I turned around and started the car. As we drove to the school, I noticed it was kind of quiet in the back seat. So did Embry. He half-turned in his seat and said, "Hey Seth. I forgot to give you these guitar strings you asked me to pick up in town for you. Here." Guitar strings? What the . . . I looked over at Embry and he winked at me as he held out an envelope to Seth.

Seth reached out and took it and said, "Oh yea, thanks. I have a song I'm working on and I broke the E string." Song? What song?

"You play guitar?" Ashley asked. Embry turned back around and looked at me and gave me a nod. I couldn't believe they cooked up this little scheme just to impress a girl. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Yea, I'm just learning. I really like it though. I can play some power chords now, so I've been learning some new songs," Seth said, just like he really knew what he was talking about.

"Wow, that's awesome. Maybe you could play for me sometime?" Ashley asked. Yea, I'd like to hear that!

"Yea, sure," Seth answered.

Luckily we pulled up to the school and Seth didn't have to keep up the charade any longer. "I'll be back to pick you up right here at 11:00, OK?"

"OK. Thanks, Leah. Thanks, Embry," Seth said as he got out to go and open Ashley's door.

"Thanks again for the ride. See you later!" Ashley said. "Have fun," Embry called after them. Seth closed the door and as Ashley walked toward the school, Seth looked back and gave us a big grin. Embry gave him a "thumbs up." Then he turned and walked with Ashley to the school.

"Maybe we should go in with them. You haven't been to a school dance in awhile. Might be fun?" Embry said, trying to convince me. "I do like dancing with you," he said as he drew himself closer to me.

I smiled and said, "I really like dancing with you, too, but I think we should leave Seth on his own. He doesn't need us hovering over him. Besides, my mom went over to Billy's to cook dinner for him and Charlie tonight, so we have the house to ourselves for awhile. We could dance there . . ." he cut me off with a kiss then he said, "Hurry up, woman! Drive!" I laughed and put the car in drive and headed home.

We went back to my house and had a very romantic dance that lead to other romantic things. Embry was very smooth, I had to admit. He knew all the right moves! We were in my room, wrapped in the sheets on my bed. Embry was propped up against the pillows and I was laying on his chest. He was running his hands through my hair and it was very relaxing. "Leah? Have you ever thought about us . . . getting married someday?" Did he just say "married?"

I raised my head and looked at him. "Have you?" I asked.

He smiled and said, "Way to dodge the question, baby."

I laughed and said, "OK, I will admit, during Sam and Emily's wedding, I thought about it. What about you?"

He smiled back. "I think about it all the time."

I sat up and said, "Really? You never said anything before this."

"I know. It took you so long to say that you loved me, I guess I didn't want to scare you off." He put his hand up to my face and looked in my eyes. "But, I know I love you, and I don't ever want to live without you. I want to marry you, Leah. And someday, I will."

I smiled and felt tears sting my eyes. I leaned forward to put a very soft kiss on his lips. "I love you, too, Embry. More than I ever thought I could love anyone. I might just let you marry me."

He laughed at that and rolled me onto my back. He looked down at me and said, "You might let me? What do I have to do to get a definite yes?" His face was so close to mine. I reached up and touched his lips with my finger and said, "I think you know." He smiled and then showed me that he did.

Much later, we got into the car to go and get Seth and Ashley. Embry was all excited to see how his little protégé made out. I pulled up to the school and we had to wait about 10 minutes for them to walk out to the car. "They're smiling! That's a good sign," I said. "And look! They're holding hands."

Seth opened the door for Ashley and she got in. "Hey Ashley," Seth said to her. "Hi," she said shyly. Seth got in and I took off.

"So, you guys have a good time at the dance?" I asked.

"Yes, it was fun," Ashley replied with a smile as she looked over at Seth. He smiled back. Embry looked at me and winked. They started chatting about one of Ashley's friends and who all she danced with and I looked over at Embry and smiled. We drove to Ashley's house and Seth got out to walk her to the door. "Good night, Ashley," I said.

"Good night. Thanks, again," she said.

"You're welcome. Anytime." She got out and Seth walked her to the door.

"We shouldn't watch, should we?" I asked.

"Hell, yea!" Embry said with a grin. We watched, but tried to make it look like we weren't watching. They stood and talked for a minute. Then they got quiet and looked at each other. Seth leaned in and put a long, slow kiss on her lips. He stepped back and I could a smile on Ashley's face. She said good bye and went inside. Seth "floated" back to the car and hopped in.

I took off as Embry said, "Dude! That was awesome! Perfect lean-in kiss. I take it you had a good time?"

"Oh man. Yea. I really like her. She's awesome. We hung out with some friends for awhile when we first got there. Then they played a slow song and I asked her to dance. I did just like you showed me. It was . . . really cool. We danced to three more slow songs! I even kissed her at the school. Not while we were dancing. We took a walk for awhile cause it was so hot in there. We walked down the hall and stopped to talk a little and, I don't know, it just felt right. Like you said. So, I kissed her. Man, I really like kissing."

Embry and I laughed at that. "Oh no. What have I done?" Embry asked me.

"I'm hungry. Can we get something to eat?" Seth asked. I laughed and said, "That's the little brother I know!"

II pulled into the convenience store and he and Embry ran in to get us some snacks. I watched them through the window and smiled. Seth was talking Embry's ear off and he just let him. I loved this guy so much. I think I could marry him someday and be very happy.